MEMBERS of the riding club based at Bridgwater College’s Equestrian Centre – Cannington Stags – recently competed in the West Somerset Riding Club’s Rising Stars Dressage competition.

The event, held at the Conquest Equestrian Centre, Taunton, saw Cannington Stags come third after competing against ten other teams from across Somerset.

The team comprised of A Level and Equestrian Studies students Francesca Way, 18, from Bridgwater, Chiara Charteris, 17, from Tiverton, Jessica Maidment, 17, from Sherborne and Amy Gardener, 17, from Bridgwater.

Francesca also received the highest placed rider not in the winning team award.

This follows their recent achievement in coming first and second in the last Rising Stars showjumping competition, and the team hope to continue their run of success in the Easter showjumping competition.

Hatti Troake, technician at the Equestrian Centre, said: “Cannington Equestrian Centre became a British Riding Club Centre in 2012 and is part of the Area 12 group.

“The aim of the riding club is to give both students and clients the chance to train and compete regularly either on their own or on one of the College’s horses.”

Chiara Charteris said: “I really enjoy taking part in these team competitions. We get lots of support and encouragement from Cannington Riding Club and it’s a great experience for me and my horse; there’s a great team spirit.”